Labor Day weekend brings DUI checkpoints

SOUTHERN UTAH — Traditionally, Labor Day weekend is one of the busiest travel weekends on Utah’s roadways. Law enforcement agencies across the state generally see a rise in alcohol- and drug-related crashes. Because of this, authorities say they will be conducting sobriety checkpoints over the weekend.

One checkpoint in particular will be conducted Friday by the Cedar City Police Department, along with other area law enforcement, on Highway 14 at approximately milepost 1.5, the Police Department said in a statement issued Tuesday morning.

The sobriety checkpoint will start at approximately 5 p.m. and continue until midnight.

The Police Department said it wants to make drivers aware of the checkpoint so they are prepared and know what to expect. Drivers are encouraged to have all the appropriate driving and vehicle documentation ready so their delay is minimal.

“Extensive planning and preparation has been made to ensure that our goal of getting impaired drivers off the road comes with minimal inconvenience to law-abiding motorists,” the Police Department said, and added:

Our goal for this checkpoint is to help travelers reach their destination safely, facilitate the smooth flow of traffic and to reduce the number of potential crashes and fatalities by removing impaired drivers from the roadway.

Additional emphasis, police said, will also be placed on educating the public on the importance of wearing their seat belts and driving courteously.

“We want to do our part to ensure the highways are safer during this holiday weekend,” the department said.

For more information about the sobriety checkpoint, contact Cpl. Clint Pollock at 435-586-2956.